Just recently as we all prepared for Thanksgiving, Meghan Markle, pulled back the curtain on how she creates a warm, welcoming holiday at her California home.
The founder of As Ever is all about thoughtful preparation, family-friendly tasks, and setting a calm and cozy scene. But above all, she admits there is one nonnegotiable item on the table for Prince Harry. According to Meghan, her husband would never forgive her if she failed to serve a rich gravy alongside the holiday spread.
Meghan, 44, shared her hosting advice while revealing the one dish that keeps her out of trouble with Harry, also 44. With their son Prince Archie, six, and daughter Princess Lilibet, four, helping in the kitchen, Meghan says advance prep is the real key to a smooth Thanksgiving. She told People that chopping vegetables and herbs ahead of time allows for effortless final touches, whether the meal is fully homemade or a mix of store bought favorites.
She loves involving her children in the process. They can feel proud knowing they contributed to the family meal. Meghan even suggests keeping carrot tops and blending them with parmesan, olive oil, and pine nuts for a fresh and unexpected take on pesto. She pairs this with creamy mashed potatoes, a simple green salad topped with flower petals, and of course the rich gravy Harry insists she adds to the table.
To create an inviting holiday atmosphere, the Duchess focuses on lighting. She recommends filling the home with candles and choosing scented versions for living areas while keeping unscented candles in the kitchen so the aroma of the food remains the star.
Meghan also encourages hosts to make the arrival moment special. She suggests greeting guests with drinks and easy appetizers such as warm Brie with jam. A few lighthearted ice breakers like puzzles or board games can help spark conversation and allow everyone to connect more easily.Her thoughtful approach to hosting is shaped by her early experience working in restaurants.
Meghan says being a great host is all about anticipating guests needs, something she now brings into her own Montecito home. With a bit of planning, she believes anyone can make their guests feel comfortable and cared for.
Meghan is also a strong believer in accepting help. When guests offer support, she says to say yes. There is no gold star for doing everything yourself. Allowing others to bring a pie, pick up a side dish, or handle the ice cream creates a sense of shared celebration and eases the load on the host. She personally loves bringing wine, sparkling drinks, or helping with tasks like setting the table when she attends gatherings. A meaningful family recipe, if you have time to make one, can become part of the memory for everyone at the table.
She also recommends helping the host the next morning by offering something simple for breakfast. A mason jar of homemade granola made from toasted oats with maple, cinnamon, a touch of ginger, and any favorite autumn spices paired with yogurt and fruit preserves can be a thoughtful and appreciated gift.
With her blend of preparation, warmth, practicality, and a touch of sentiment, Meghan proves that a well hosted Thanksgiving is all in the details. And for the Duke of Sussex, it all begins with the gravy.